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| Friday, 25 June 2004 |
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Golf tourism has vast potential in Lanka by Shirajiv Sirimane The Sri Lankan authorities have completely underplayed the tourist potential in the golf tourism in the past.
An average tourist spends around US $ 62 per day in Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka Tourism is looking at raising this to around US $ 100. He said that there is an emerging market in India as there are over 300,000 to 400,000 golfers and over 50 percent of them are high spenders. The Indians prefer to travel to Sri Lanka, as it is cheaper and some times quicker to get to Sri Lanka. Golf is not a seasonal sport and this is another advantage in this. He said that golfers like to play in many places and this would automatically promote the three main golf coursers in Colombo, Nuwara Eliya and Digana Kandy. According to a senior travel consultant there is not a single poster with the Ministry of Tourism giving publicity for Golf. "One must remember that Digana Gold Course has been identified as one of the top 100 golf coursers in the world and the Ministry has ignored this," he said. He also said that he contacted the Tourism Ministry last year and wanted them to include a picture of golf in their posters and the Ministry had informed them that they do not have money for it. He said that it is surprising to note that Sri Lanka is the only in the world which do not host a professional Golf tournament. "Bangladesh hosts two, India 22 and even Nepal hosts one event which attract the high spending Golf players, their families and the supporting staff," he said. There are 200 golf courses in India, 150 in Pakistan, 40 in Singapore and 170 in Malaysia. Commenting on this, Punchihewa the former Cricket Board chief said that it costs around Rs. 20 million to host this event as the prize money alone is around Rs. one million for the winner," he said. He said that RCGC has already contacted a UK marketing firm based in Malaysia in this regard and they have agreed to come to Sri Lanka next year on a fact-finding mission. He said that he is also hoping to brief the Deputy Minister of Tourism Arjuna Ranatunge and Minister of Sports Jeevan Kumaratunge in this regard. "We are awaiting a positive response from them," he said. ************** Ceylinco Travel Insurance package enhanced Ceylinco Travel Classic, introduced an assortment of promising features to their, travel insurance package, recently. These improvements were made possible through the tie up of Ceylinco Insurance with Coris Heritage the Asian arm of Coris International of France. Through this tie-up Ceylinco Travel Classic would now offer 18 different coverages under five different plans. Each plan can be opted for 2-5 different coverages and limits. The most sought after cover being hospitalisation expenses up to US$200,000 in any part of the world. These five plans targeted a deferent segments include a family plan, individual plan, students plan, corporate plan and a separate plan for tour operators. ************** GOH oriental evening today
The Grand Oriental Hotel management along with the artist and actor, Wilson Gunaratne has taken steps to bring the 'theatre' into the Tourist Hotel Industry, by organising the second "Paduru Party" (Oriental Musical Evening). It will be conducted in a typical Sri Lankan atmosphere with appropriate decor to blend with the type of music especially garnished with Wilson Gunaratne's comedy skits. The event will be held today, June 25 from 8.00 p.m. to 12.00 midnight. On the previous occasion the foreigners and locals graced the "Paduru Party" were completely taken up by surprise at the delightful fare. The specially designed location and environment afforded a homely feeling to all patrons who thoroughly enjoyed the musical served by veteran vocalists singing very old and popular hits of yesteryear. Wilson Gunaratne, the popular actor will launch his inaugural performance of "Atawana Charithaya" sequel to his "Charitha Hatak" as part of this evening's entertainment. Among the popular artistes who will be performing today are Ishak Baig, Priyankara Perera, Gamini Hettiarachchi, Sumith Chandrasiri and Dunstan Perera all of whom will entertain the patrons to the lilting popular old favourites. The Director General Manager Lanil Jayawardene said this would be an annual event. |
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Produced by Lake House |
According to the consultant Royal Colombo Golf Club, Ana Punchihewa,
golf tourists are high spenders and their average spending power is around
US $ 200 per day.
